Patient Suspension Coupling Alignment via Force Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient positioning systems face difficulties in aligning coupling elements during transfer from a transport trolley to a support column, especially when the patient support plate is inclined due to elastic deformation or uneven floors, leading to increased friction and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a force measuring system into the support column allows for the optimization of coupling element alignment by using detected forces to adjust the orientation of the second coupling elements, minimizing constraining forces during the form-fitting connection, and utilizing pivotable cardan joints and sensors to achieve precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the patient support plate is transferred from the transport trolley to the support column without alignment adjustment, then the transfer process is simple, but the coupling elements experience high friction and constraining forces due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The force measuring system continuously monitors forces during the transfer process and provides feedback to the control unit, which automatically adjusts the column head orientation to minimize constraining forces on the coupling elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual alignment procedures with an automated control system that uses force measurements and electronic control to achieve optimal alignment, substituting mechanical adjustment operations with an automated feedback-controlled mechanism
2Manufacturing precision
If a scanning sensor is integrated adjacent to the coupling elements to detect alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but the assembly complexity and mounting difficulty increase due to cramped space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses force measurements as an intermediary parameter to indirectly determine alignment status, rather than directly measuring the physical position of coupling elements with scanning sensors. The force data serves as a mediator that provides alignment information without requiring complex sensing hardware in cramped spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical scanning sensors with an indirect measurement approach using force sensors and electronic evaluation, substituting complex mechanical sensing systems with a simpler force-based measurement and calculation system
3Device complexity
If the column head orientation is fixed during transfer, then the device structure is simple, but the coupling elements cannot be aligned when the patient support plate is inclined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the column head orientation dynamic and adjustable during the transfer process, allowing automatic adaptation to inclined positions of the patient support plate through force-measurement-based control, rather than maintaining a fixed orientation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The force measuring system enables easy alignment of coupling elements, reducing friction and assembly complexity by compensating for forces during the transfer process, ensuring a secure and smooth form fit without high constraining forces.
Implementation Method 1
a force measuring system with the help of which forces acting on the support column can be detected
Implementation Method 2
utilizing pivotable cardan joints and sensors to achieve precise alignment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for aligning coupling elements (28, 30, 64) of a patient positioning system, wherein first coupling elements (28) are arranged on a patient positioning plate (14) and can be selectively connected in a positive-locking manner either to second coupling elements (30) arranged on a support column (12) or to third coupling elements (64) arranged on a transport trolley (16). To further develop the method such that the coupling elements (28, 30) that interact with each other during the transfer of the patient positioning plate (14) can be easily aligned with each other, the invention proposes that a force measuring system integrated into the support column (12) is used to detect the forces acting on the force measuring system during the transfer of the patient positioning plate (14) and to change the alignment of the second coupling elements (30) relative to the first coupling elements (28) depending on the detected forces.Furthermore, a patient positioning system for carrying out the procedure is proposed.